Chapter 18 - Dog rabies and its control

Abstract

Domestic dogs are the major reservoir of rabies virus across much of its range, and are responsible for the majority of human exposures. The control of the disease in domestic dogs thus has important implications for public health, particularly in Africa and Asia where canine rabies is endemic. Dog rabies control measures have the ultimate objective of decreasing the burden of human rabies, and of eventual interruption of transmission and elimination from endemic areas. Mass vaccination is the mainstay of successful dog rabies control. This chapter covers some of the key theoretical concepts related to dog rabies control, and highlights the principles of control through mass vaccination specifically. Practical aspects for the successful implementation of mass dog vaccination campaigns, including issues of sustainability, are also discussed.